Allied Health – Physicians Assistant

Physician Assistant Allied Health Guide

What is a Physician Assistant?

Physician Assistants (commonly shortened to PAs) are healthcare practitioners who work alongside or under the supervision of physicians to provide medical care. The role of PAs is quite similar to that of a physician, and the supervision aspect often takes place virtually. PAs work with populations of all ages to conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, assist in surgeries, and counsel patients.

Undergraduate Prerequisite Coursework

  • Anatomy with Lab
  • Physiology with Lab
  • Biology I & II with Lab
  • Microbiology
  • General Chemistry I & II with Lab
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Physics
  • Genetics
  • Psychology
  • Statistics

This list covers the most frequently required prerequisites. Please see individual program websites for exact requirement information.

Education & Advanced Degrees

  • Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies
  • Doctor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Advanced Degree Requirements

  • Documented patient care experience: most PA programs require hands-on patient care experience (e.g., EMT, health educator, Peace Corps, RN, nurse’s aide, paramedic)
  • GRE test scores
  • References (Academic, Professional)

This is a list of the most frequently required admissions requirements. Please see individual program websites for exact requirement information.

Potential Workplace Settings to Explore

  • Hospitals
  • Medical offices
  • Community settings
  • Nursing homes
  • Government/Military settings
  • Schools
  • Industrial environments
  • Acute care facilities

Career Resources

  • Join OneHop using your jhu.edu email address
    • Complete your profile
    • Search “Allied Health” in Groups to join the conversation!

OneHop Allied Health Professions Alumni Group

  • Join the OneHop Allied Health Professions Alumni Group where current students interested in allied health can connect with alumni allied health professionals.

Allied Health Professional Associations for Students

  • American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

Explore Allied Health Professions “Allied health encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence-based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic diseases; promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health, and apply administration and management skills to support health care systems in a variety of settings.” – Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP, 2021)

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